Why Shabbat Morning Kids Club is Awesome: The Shabbat Morning Kids Club is awesome because you have great, committed leaders that are excited to be there! As well, you get to eat, play games and sing songs, all while making new friends!

Why I like being a group leader: Being a youth group leader at Machzikei is amazing! I love creating fun and entertaining programs for kids and then watching them come to fruition. Furthermore, I pride myself on my responsibility and leadership skills. We all know kids have a lot of energy and the trick is to channel their energy to learn, play and have fun. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?!

Bernadette Gala

Group: Torah Tots (ages 0-4)

Current Day Job: Works with the Katz family as a live-in caregiver.

Favourtie Machzikei Hadas Moment: I love the annual Machzikei Hanukkah Party and look forward to it every year!

Why I like being a group leader: It's my pleasure going to synagogue every Saturday and on the High Holidays. Being with the kids brings me great joy and accomplishment. Hearing them and seeing their cute, funny smiles makes me very happy. I love them and I know they love me.

Tziporah Ross

Group: Torah Tots (ages 0-4)

Age: 21

Current Day Job: Studying Political Science at Carleton University.

About: I am from New Zealand but have lived in Toronto since 2000. I ran youth programming for the Thornhill Community Shul for five years and am now in Ottawa.

Why Shabbat Morning Kids Club is Awesome: Torah Tots is an amazing group because it allows young children to play and explore while learning about Judaism.

Sarina Aarenau

Group: Mini Menches (ages 4-7)

Age: 20

Current Day Job: Studies Neuroscience at Carleton University and assists in research at the Royal Ottawa and at CHEO.

Favourite Machzikei Hadas Moment: The comedy routine on Simchas Torah

Why Shabbat Morning Kids Club is Awesome: Shabbat Morning Kids Club is awesome because of all the great activities we do! In my group, we start by davening (praying) and then we play lots of games. The kids get to choose what we play, and to facilitate this I have a master list of fun games from which to choose. Each week a healthy and delicious snack is served, which the kids enjoy while listening to a Jewish story of their choosing. At the end of the group, we head upstairs to sing Adon Olam on the bimah together with all the children from the other groups. When it comes to Shabbat Morning Kids Club, a great time is sure to be had by all :)

Why I Like Being a Group Leader: I love working with children. I love talking with the kids, teaching them, learning from them, and just having a good time with them. I've also really enjoyed watching the kids grow up and having their younger siblings join my group after they've graduated from the toddler group. Machzikei has a really wonderful group of young congregants.